1. Juice half of a large lemon (~2 Tbs of lemon juice) into a 9 or 10” skillet or saucepan, stainless steel or enameled cast iron preferably. Save spent rind for zesting later.

2. Peel 1-1.5lbs peaches (which is about 2-3 medium sized peaches) and roughly chop directly into the lemon juice. Combine the peach pieces with the juice as you add them.

3. Add 1 cup sugar to the skillet and place over low heat until sugar granules have melted. Increase heat to medium high and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally to keep bottom from scorching. After about 5 minutes, mash (for chunkier jam) or use a hand-held blender (for smoother jam) the now-softened peach pieces.

You’ll know your jam is done when the bubbles have spaced out, and they are larger and the jam takes on a glassier, slightly darker hue. Depending on your pot, this will take anywhere from 8-10 minutes. The gel point is 221 degrees F, remove the pot from heat and use a thermometer or chilled spoons on a plate to determine whether or not your jam has set to your liking.

4. Add a few shavings of lemon zest from reserved rind and/or any other flavor additions (1/4 tsp vanilla extract or bourbon) or steep herbs like a tied-up bundle of sage or a teaball of lavender. Ladle jam into a just-cleaned (hot, soapy water) jar. Let cool on countertop for an hour or so, then store in the refrigerator for up to 3 months.

Reader Comments (3)

So glad I found this post today! I had a couple of bruised peaches from a recent trip to the farmer's market that were just sitting around...and now they're a beautiful jam! My batch yielded about a cup and a half. Can't wait to mix a spoonful with some yogurt tomorrow. Thanks!

Thanks for the post. Was looking for a way to use 4 peaches on their last legs in the fridge. Peeled the skin, chopped peaches into 1 inch chunks, at the 5 minute mark used a potato masher to break up the pieces. At 9 minutes started darkening slightly, hit 221 at 11 minutes. Set up perfect, tastes devine. Would make a great glaze on a pork roast, or on the crust of a just baked fruit tart. 5 stars. Just follow the recipe.

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